Scenario One

Business as Usual

This scenario is dynamic and flexible, and responds to growth trends as they emerge. It provides as wide a choice in living environment as possible. It anticipates continued reliance on private transport and housing densities typically around 10 houses per hectare with limited intensification through infill in existing residential areas.

The population is growing and urban areas are expanding. After 50 years and at current densities around 6,000 hectares of land is taken up for urban development in Hamilton City and surrounding towns (that's 10 Cambridges).

It is 2060...

The CityHeart is the main commercial centre for the region. There are more office buildings and some people are living in apartments. The city is alive at night with people coming to enjoy the thriving café and restaurant lifestyle.

The older suburbs have consolidated with more intensive developments scattered throughout.

The new suburban areas have developed at Peacocke, Rotokauri, Rototuna, and Horsham Downs. These areas have excellent open space and green network. Section sizes have reduced over time to maintain affordability but most people are living in stand alone family-style dwellings.

Shopping occurs within the CityHeart and at a range of new and expanded large scale centres.

The arterial road network has developed sporadically in response to high levels of congestion. The extended pattern of development north of Hamilton has contributed to the congestion of the local network and significantly increased travel times. Public transport is available but most people are still using private transport.

Cambridge has expanded extensively around its edges which has had a consequent impact on infrastructure demand and provision. Its central location on major highways has made Cambridge an attractive place for business development. Industry and retail development have developed steadily with an increasing population. A significant proportion of the population continues to commutes into Hamilton for work.

Te Awamutu is a significant service centre. It has continued to grow with an emphasis on expansion into new urban areas. Industry and retail development have developed steadily with an increasing population. People continue to commute to Hamilton for work.

Ngaruawahia has had modest growth and provides an affordable alternative for families. There is free movement of people into Hamilton on rapid transit for their main work and household needs.

Huntly has retained its character. It provides another affordable housing choice and also a range of employment opportunities in energy and rural related industries.

Te Kauwhata has had strong growth and is an attractive place for retirees who also wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of Auckland and Hamilton.

Raglan provides the benefits of a coastal lifestyle with easy access to Hamilton City and continues to grow predominantly as a holiday town.

Morrinsville has grown steadily as a rural service town with people commuting to Hamilton for work. It provides an alternative location for rural related industry.

Papakainga development around Marae provides for the housing needs of some kaumatua and kuia.

25% of the population has been accommodated in rural areas. There are wide choices for those wanting a rural lifestyle ranging from a rural village environment to a traditional lifestyle block. Rural living is interspersed with traditional farming activities.

Industrial land in Hamilton has been provided to the north and east of the city. Urban development has consolidated and extended along the main transport corridor between northern Hamilton and Ngaruawahia, with decreasing green space between the two urban areas.

Ruakura has developed for bio-tech research and industry.

Extractive industries for energy and minerals are important industry sectors.

How will we do this?

Councils will continue to respond to market needs while upholding a clear direction to protect ecological and open space areas. There is a generally consistent planning approach across the subregion based on shared information, although each area will address its own community needs as a priority.

The increased pressure from the market for more intensive urban use and resultant conflicts will see a shift in Council's approach with more emphasis on urban design and standards that are more appropriate.

While efforts are made to protect primary production land, there is a balance in favour of those wanting a rural lifestyle. Rural areas will be developed at the rate they are now, but the supply of rural sites will gradually run out as the importance of the remaining productive land becomes more important. At this time there is significantly less land available for agriculture. Councils will become more involved in managing conflicts between rural lifestyles and large scale agribusiness activities.